Cloudy Bay 2004

A tight, focused, ageworthy Chardonnay from a very well-regarded producer. Citrus fruits play against mixed nutty aromas, over a creamy texture laced with chalky mineralilty. Simply stunning.

Der Cloudy Bay Chardonnay zeichnet sich durch seinen reichen, frischen Fruchtgeschmack von Melonen und Zitrusfrüchten sowie sein Aroma von Nüssen und einem Hauch Mineralien aus. Er besticht durch seine zartgelbe Farbe und seinen ausgewogenen und gut strukturierten Geschmack, welcher durch Lagerung noch verfeinert wird.

Full straw-yellow color. Subtle aromas of honey and spice. Concentrated, round and spicy in the mouth; rich but nicely delineated despite a slight impression of heat. Harmonious acids frame and extend the fruit.

Smoky on the nose, with some pineapple and citrus notes, but this is not an aroma-driven wine. It's more about the plump, custardy texture and gentle nut, white peach and pineapple flavors. Finishes on a tangy citrus note.

Spicy in flavor, with citrus-sharp acidity, as pleasant wine if you don't mind a strong hint of oak, finishing buttery. Drink now through 2005.

Cloudy Bay is better known for its Sauvignon Blanc, but their Chardonnay is dependably good as well. This vintage seems a little lighter than previous efforts, but it still offers flavorful notes of cashew butter atop a base of pineapple and lemon fruit.